James Toney has assessed whether the perceived size and strength advantages of Rolando Romero will see him retain his world title against Teofimo Lopez.
Romero became the WBA ‘Regular’ champion in May 2025, producing a calculated performance that saw him drop and unanimously outpoint Ryan Garcia.
Prior to that, the American campaigned in the 135 and 140lb divisions, but now seems a more physically imposing operator at welterweight.
He has also been awarded the full WBA title since his last outing, against Garcia, with Lopez bidding to become a three-division world champion when they lock horns this Saturday.
The pair will square off at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, where ‘The Takeover’ hopes to silence the noise of his unanimous decision defeat to Shakur Stevenson in January.
Back then, the outcome of a Stevenson victory came as no real surprise, yet few had expected him to dethrone Lopez in such dominant fashion.
The 29-year-old will therefore have a point to prove when he steps through the ropes this weekend, joining the 147lb division after losing his WBO super-lightweight title.
Hall of Famer Toney, however, has told Fight Hub TV that he favours the physical attributes of Romero over Lopez’s superior skillset and world-level experience.
“I like both fighters. I know Teo’s going up [in weight] – it should be a good fight – but I think Rolly’s shown he’s come on a lot. Rolly is rolling. He’s too big, too strong.”
It is worth noting, too, that Lopez has only claimed one stoppage victory – a seventh-round finish over Pedro Campa – since moving up from 135lbs.
